Northern Ireland

Fireworks display in memory of young woman killed two decades ago raises £13,000

Fireworks on Camlough mountain on new year's day in memory of Ciara McKinley
Fireworks on Camlough mountain on new year's day in memory of Ciara McKinley Fireworks on Camlough mountain on new year's day in memory of Ciara McKinley

A FIREWORKS display in Co Armagh in memory of a young woman who died in a car crash more than two decades ago has raised £13,000 for charity.

The display on Camlough Mountain on new year's day was held by the family of Ciara McKinley, who died following a crash in south Armagh on August 20 2000.

Her brother Darren, who organised the licensed event, said the family were keen to keep honouring her memory.

"Ciara was the oldest in the house at the time," he said. "She was 20-years-old and working for the DLA in Belfast.

"She'd only settled into a new job. At 20-years-old everything is just opening up for you."

For three years, the McKinley family held a fireworks display on new year's eve at Camlough lake. This year they decided to hold it on the mountain due to fears crowds would not be able to socially distance and see the fireworks.

"It was extraordinary... people really enjoyed it," he said.

"We organised a car park in Camlough for people who could not see the mountain from their home. When the display was over the crowd started beeping their horns and cheering.

"Everyone was amazed by the display. I think the fact that it was on top of the mountain was the biggest positive."

An emotional Mr McKinley said he felt touched that so many people remembered his sister, 20 years on from her death.

"We lit a firework at 7.14pm - a minute before the display - in memory of Ciara but also for those who have lost loved ones," he said.

Mr McKinley said the display was a "real community effort".

"Twenty people carried a large amount of fireworks up the mountain," he said. "It was a difficult task. The actual display had to be delayed by a day. It was supposed to be on new year's eve but it was delayed because the weather conditions were that bad... It was a good decision because the next night was so much clearer."

The fireworks, which were lit by Ciara's brother Peter, were donated by Ciara's parents Oliver and Rose and their neighbour John Mooney.

Ciara is survived by her parents, brothers Oliver, Darren and Peter and sister Arlene.

The £13,000 raised will be divided between Southern Area Hospice in Newry, Fight for Alfie, and Air Ambulance NI. A donation will also be made to the Brain Injury Foundation.

Over the years, the family has raised around £70,000 for charity in Ciara's memory.